Rob Hallam Managing director, Bigtank Productions
Bigtank Productions @realbigtank
STORY-LED VIDEO POWERS MODERN
Karen Keighley, Tapeswitch
product. No-one sees it, it is a hidden but necessary component.”
Karen says manufacturing operations like hers are not necessarily people’s first choice when it comes to employment.
“If you asked a 20-year-old where they wanted to work, here or BAE Systems, I’m sure BAE would top the list,” she adds.
“But the exposure to engineering and manufacturing that they will get here is greater, there is more scope. Because we do a lot of things in-house the work is varied.
“We need versatile workers with wide skills and a good grounding in manufacturing and engineering. These are fulfilling roles. We also work to develop our people.
“Attracting the right people is a challenge because we want those who want to develop. And in common with a lot of businesses in supply chains there is a challenge when it comes to selling the job, because we don’t have an end product to show them.”
Rising labour costs are also a test for the business, which is now outsourcing some tasks such as IT in a bid to keep costs under control. “It also allows us to concentrate on what we are good at,” Karen explains.
She says: “The employers’ national insurance rise was something else to throw into the mix and leaving the EU has had an impact.
MANUFACTURING In today’s competitive manufacturing environment, video has become one of the most effective tools for both promotion and training. But not just any video will do.
Eye-catching visuals grab attention on crowded digital platforms, but it’s compelling storytelling that keeps audiences engaged and drives action. Story-led, dynamic content cuts through the noise.
For manufacturers, this means showcasing capabilities in a way that resonates emotionally with customers.
“However, we are a UK manufacturer and people in the UK want to buy from the UK. The security of supply issue benefits us and we try to buy from the UK whenever we can.”
Preston-based bespoke joinery manufacturer JSJ UK works in sectors including leisure, retail, commercial, accommodation, education and health.
Jack Smith, founder and managing director, says: “Like many traditional Lancashire manufacturers, we face rising operational costs and ongoing skills shortages, especially in niche roles.
“That’s why we focus on investing in local talent, whether young, experienced, or returning to work, to help secure a sustainable future for our industry and the region.”
He adds: “Upskilling is at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to developing talent across generations from supporting experienced tradesmen who need to adapt to new manufacturing processes, to helping mature candidates who are reskilling later in life.
“Our recruitment approach prioritises attitude and reliability over qualifications alone. We’re always looking for people who are willing to learn, collaborate, and take the initiative.
“Young people are also a key focus. We provide tasters and traineeships that help them understand the difference between workshop-based manufacturing and on-site joinery work, giving them real exposure before committing to a career path.
“We invest heavily in continuous internal training too. From working with solid surfaces to learning the latest production techniques, we bring in external experts and encourage knowledge sharing across the team.
Jack Smith, JSJ UK Continued on Page 64 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
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A five-axis milling machine or high- precision weld may seem impersonal on its own, but placed within the context of how a product improves lives or supports global industries, it becomes powerful and memorable.
Storytelling builds trust, communicates values and makes technical processes accessible to wider audiences.
The same applies to training. Story-driven video transforms learning from a dry, step-by-step process into an engaging, relatable experience.
Employees don’t just see ‘what to do’, they also see ‘why it matters’. As an example, a scenario comparing best practice with common errors reinforces safety, accelerates onboarding and boosts retention.
In short, video that tells a story doesn’t just inform, it inspires too.
For manufacturing businesses looking to maximise ROI from both marketing and training, story-led content is a smart investment. And we can help.
Bigtank Productions Ltd
www.bigtank.co.uk hello@bigtank.co.uk
See examples of our work at
bigtank.co.uk/all-video-work/ Tel: 01706 587401
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